The Strange Logic of Keystone XL: Energy Edge - Brought to you by the American Petroleum Institute

Following that logic, President Obama should approve the Keystone XL pipeline until or unless he can give a new reason not to.

Here's why: The final environmental review the State Department released Friday says that the pipeline probably won't exacerbate global warming (because it's unlikely to have a big impact on the development of Canada's oil sands). That's the test Obama imposed on the project in his June 2013 speech, and Keystone passed it.

Obama administration officials and environmentalists spent the waning hours of Friday and the whole weekend insisting that this report isn't a definitive signal of how the president will decide. Nonetheless, the burden of proof now lies within the administration to come up with another reason to deny the pipeline.

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That won't be easy, but then again that's why this country has so many lawyers.

WHAT INSIDERS ARE SAYING…

SHOULD OBAMA GREEN-LIGHT KEYSTONE XL? Should President Obama approve or deny a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline?

"The fact that the State Department has issued its "fifth final environmental impact statement" is unambiguous evidence that President Obama is attempting to run out the clock to avoid making a decision as long as he can. Unlike Hamlet, who couldn't decide, the President simply won't decide. The delay in approving Keystone XL Pipeline's final leg is irresponsible." -William O'Keefe, chief executive officer, George C. Marshall Institute

"There are only two reasons someone would be for Keystone XL: greed or ignorance. The easy smart choice is to reject this boondoggle project. Mr. President?" -Bill Snape, senior counsel, Center for Biological Diversity

HAPPENING TOMORROW

FISHERIES HEARING. The House Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing on the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act.

SENATE NOMINATIONS HEARING. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing on the nominations of Rhea Suh to be assistant Interior secretary for fish and wildlife and parks and Janice Schneider to be assistant Interior secretary for land and minerals management.

WATER SUPPLY HEARING. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee's Water and Wildlife Subcommittee holds a hearing titled Examination of the Safety and Security of Drinking Water Supplies Following the Central West Virginia Drinking Water Crisis.